October 20 is the 293rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; 72 days remain until the end of the year.
We have some interesting facts & historic events all about October 20th, including areas in religion, crime, health and more.
Keep reading for more interesting facts about October 20th in history!
Table of Contents
Global Celebrations
- National Brandied Fruit Day
- National Suspenders Day
- Information Overload Day
- International Sloth Day
- National Waiters Day
- Hagfish Day
- Global Dignity Day
Historic Events
What Happened On This Day – October 20
2011: Muammar Gaddafi is Captured
The deposed leader of Libya, Muammar Gaddafi, is captured by the National Transitional Council Forces. He was killed by the troops soon after.
1982: Luzhniki Disaster
A stampede during a UEFA Cup soccer (football) match between Dutch club Haarlem and the Moscovian football club, Spartak at the Lenin Stadium in Moscow left about 60 people dead.
1973: Sydney Opera House Opens its Doors
The iconic building, which was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, was designed by Danish architect Jørn Oberg Utzon. Construction on the performing arts center began in March 1959 and cost over $100 million.
1968: Jacqueline Kennedy marries Aristotle Onassis
Former American first lady, Jacqueline Kennedy, married Greek shipping magnet, Aristotle Onassis
1962: War Breaks Out Between India and China
The month-long border dispute began after the Chinese launched a two-pronged attack on the border between the two countries. During the duration of hostilities, China and India did not officially declare war on each other nor cut off any diplomatic ties. The conflict ended with China taking control of Aksai Chin and both countries accepting a de facto border along what is now known as Line of Control.
Famous Birthdays
Births On This Day, October 20
1971: Snoop Dogg, American rapper, producer, actor
1958: Viggo Mortensen, American actor
1950: Tom Petty, American singer-songwriter, musician
1931: Mickey Mantle, American baseball player
1859: John Dewey, American philosopher, psychologist
Heartbreaking Deaths
Deaths On This Day, October 20
2011: Muammar Gaddafi, Libyan politician, Prime Minister of Libya
1984: Paul Dirac, English physicist, Nobel Prize laureate
1964: Herbert Hoover, American politician, 31st President of the United States
1950: Henry L. Stimson, American statesman, lawyer, politician
1890: Richard Francis Burton, English soldier, geographer, diplomat
